Hair loss from eyebrows and eyelashes is a problem that can affect anyone, regardless of gender. It may seem like a rare phenomenon, but many people experience hair loss in these areas. The causes can be diverse and, although sometimes the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes is the result of an accident and occurs suddenly, more often we observe a gradual process, which can be equally frustrating.

However, there is no reason to worry. Experts have studied the issue and are ready to share their knowledge about the causes of this phenomenon. Moreover, in many cases, the loss of eyebrows and eyelashes is a reversible process, and appropriate treatment methods can bring quick and effective results. In this article, we take a closer look at the problem, offering not only insight into its causes but also possible solutions.

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Falling eyelashes and eyebrows — when to start worrying?

On average, an adult has around 250 hairs on one eyebrow and about 100–150 eyelashes on each eyelid. The lifespan of eyebrow hairs is about four months, while for eyelashes it is usually between one and two months. The natural loss of eyebrow and eyelash hairs is part of the growth cycle and should not be a cause for concern. Hair follicles of both eyebrows and eyelashes are not in the same growth phase at the same time. About 80% of them are currently growing hair, while the remaining 20% are in the transitional or resting phase.

Simply put, every person loses about five eyebrow hairs per day and one to five eyelashes. Usually, we don’t notice this, but if over time you lose more hairs than those regrowing, you may see thinning or bald spots.

Excessive eyelash loss — mechanical causes

Most mammals have eyelashes that serve an important protective function: they trap dust, dirt, and other small particles, protecting the sensitive eyes. For humans, they also have aesthetic significance. Their loss can affect both physical and mental well-being. That is why it is so important to consult a specialist in the case of excessive eyelash loss, who will diagnose the cause of the problem and select the right treatment tailored to individual needs.

If you notice eyelash loss within a short period, the cause may be mechanical irritation. After an accident or surgery, unsightly scars often appear. When they affect the eye area, they can lead to partial or complete eyelash loss due to tissue damage. This is one of the most common reasons for eyelash transplants. Damage to the roots may also result from exposure to intense heat or burns.

During skin healing, the body closes wounds by forming scar tissue. The depth of the wound around the eye can determine whether a scar is left, on which hair will not regrow. Over time, the connective tissue beneath the scar contracts, reducing blood supply, and the scar begins to fade. The lack of sebum, sweat glands, and hair follicles in scar tissue means that these areas remain hairless. Depending on the extent of damage, eyelash growth can be significantly slowed or even completely inhibited.

The most common cause of eyelash loss

A relatively common occurrence is temporary eyelash loss. A lack of vitamins leads to this effect. The most important for hair growth are:

vitamin A,
aneurine (vitamin B1),
zinc,
iron.

There are also common factors that cause hair loss. Cosmetics are one of them. Mascaras often contain ingredients that disrupt cellular metabolism in hair follicles. Additionally, removing makeup and rubbing eyelids causes eyelashes to break.

Eyelash loss after extensions is another problem sometimes faced by people visiting beauty salons. The reason is that this popular treatment puts a lot of strain on the lashes. Moreover, harmful glue ingredients slow down hair growth. It is worth adding that eyelash loss from one eye usually indicates that poor-quality glue was used or the procedure was not performed professionally.

At a beauty salon, you can also care for your eyelashes. They can be strengthened, nourished, and highlighted with a lamination treatment. A rare side effect is eyelash loss after lamination. This is the result of incorrect application of products or an allergic reaction to the ingredients used. Properly performed lamination should not lead to eyelash loss, but rather provide protection and strengthening.

Eyelash loss from one eye. What could be the cause?

Eyelash loss from one eye is an alarming symptom that requires attention. It can be caused by various factors, such as local irritation, infection, allergy, or inflammation. In some cases, it may also signal a health issue, such as thyroid dysfunction. It is important to observe whether eyelash loss is temporary or persists over time. If eyelash loss from one eye lasts for a long time, it is advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist to determine the cause and start appropriate treatment.

Causes of eyebrow loss

Why do eyebrows fall out? The reasons can vary, from vitamin and mineral deficiencies (especially vitamin B12, A, E, and D, as well as zinc, iron, and magnesium) to illnesses and chronic stress. Sometimes several factors act together. Accordingly, the number of treatment and prevention options is almost unlimited. Moreover, the causes of eyebrow loss differ between men and women.

Let’s look at how stress affects eyebrow loss. The cause is high levels of cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine. There are also genetic causes of eyebrow loss, where the outer part of the eyebrows is most affected. In these areas, the hairs become significantly thinner or complete eyebrow baldness occurs.

We also cannot forget that the skin of the face harbors the parasitic Demodex mite. Eyebrow loss caused by Demodex infestation is related to its presence in the hair follicles. If suspected that eyebrow loss is due to this parasite, a dermatologist should be consulted.

Menopause and eyebrow loss

In addition to the above, there are typical causes for women that lead to eyebrow loss. Hormones are one of them. While the increase in progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy benefits hair, after childbirth, hair loss occurs.

Another important period for eyebrow hairs is menopause. In this case, eyebrow hair loss is also caused by hormonal fluctuations.

Specific causes of eyebrow loss in women

Women may suffer from eyebrow loss more often than men. The reasons include cosmetic procedures. Permanent makeup, during which scars are formed, leads to inhibited hair growth on the eyebrows. Intensive plucking and related chronic irritation have a similar effect. On the other hand, eyebrow loss after henna tinting indicates the need to stop this procedure.

At a beauty salon, you can benefit from nourishing and strengthening eyebrow treatments. Fortunately, eyebrow loss after lamination is rare and usually results from improper care or an individual reaction to the products used.

Eyebrow and eyelash loss — modern therapy

Since the cause of eyebrow and eyelash loss is often nutritional deficiencies, it is worth ensuring a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. In addition, excessive cosmetic treatments should be avoided, and gentle makeup removal methods should be used.

One of the most modern ways to deal with eyebrow or eyelash loss is hair transplantation. Hair for the procedure is usually taken from the back of the patient’s head or from behind the ear, as its structure is most similar to eyebrow and eyelash hairs. Transplantation is an excellent option for people struggling with visible hair gaps.

Let’s remember that the health of our eyelashes and eyebrows reflects the overall condition of our body. Therefore, by taking care of them, we also take care of ourselves.

Eyelash and eyebrow loss – not just an aesthetic problem